The bonefish (Albula vulpes) or bananafish is the type species of the bonefish family (Albulidae), the only family in order Albuliformes.
Taxonomy
Bonefish were once believed to be a single species with a global distribution, however 11 different species (all morphologically indistinguishable from each other) have since been identified. There are 3 identified species in the Atlantic and 8 in the Pacific, and Albula vulpes is the largest and most widespread of the Atlantic species.
Description
thumb|Scales of A. vulpes
thumb|Bonefish head
thumb|Illustration
The bonefish weighs up to and measures up to long. The color of bonefish can range from very silver sides and slight darker backs to olive green backs that blend to the silver side. and may be seen around edges, drop-offs, and clean, healthy seagrass beds, as these locations yield abundant small prey such as crabs and shrimp. It may follow stingrays to catch the small animals they scare out of the substrate.
In the Los Roques archipelago, bonefish primarily hunt glass minnows, however this behavior is atypical.
Relationship with humans
Fishing
The bonefish is considered to be one of the premier fly and light tackle game fish. Fishing for bonefish, called bonefishing, is a popular sport in many places including the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and southern Florida. Since the bonefish lives in shallow inshore water, fishing may be done by wading or from a shallow-draft boat. Bonefishing is mostly done for sport, so the fish caught is released, but it may also be eaten in less developed areas.
The bonefish is notoriously wary, and great skill must be taken both in approach and presentation when fishing for them. English-speaking fishermen often refer to them as "grey ghosts".